Brees surpassed 50,000 passing yards

Saints dominated the Panthers

Four takeaways from Sunday Night Football everyone will be talking about Monday:

1. Brees passed multiple milestones. The Panthers’ No. 2 ranked defense was supposed to present a challenge for the Saints’ offense. The Panthers surrendered 289.8 yards per game on average. The Saints gained 373 total yards.

Brees was 30-of-42 passing for 313 yards and four touchdowns. Another stellar performance allowed Brees to reach multiple milestones. The most notable achievement was becoming the fastest QB to reach 50,000 passing yards. Although, it wasn’t his only accomplishment.

2. Jimmy Graham needs another designation. Graham is a TE by trade, yet he continues to post WR numbers. Graham had six catches for 58 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He now has 14 touchdowns. Rob Gronkowski’s record of 17 touchdown receptions by a TE in a season is clearly within reach.

Graham’s continued domination will have a major impact on how the Saints will approach his impending free agency.

Can we stop calling Jimmy Graham a tight end? He's a wide receiver who sometimes puts a hand on the ground. #FOaud

3. Panthers’ eight-game winning streak was snapped. The Panthers entered Sunday’s game trying to prove they were one of the NFC’s best squads. They obviously fell short of the goal. The Panthers have a chance at redemption Dec. 22 on their home field.

It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Panthers were able to defeat the Saints the next time these teams play. Each week the NFC playoff picture changes. Each of the top teams have had a chance to claim superiority.

New Orleans stomped Carolina who beat San Francisco who beat Seattle who stomped New Orleans.

4. Saints’ D-line stole the show. Carolina’s success this season was driven by its D-line. The Panthers’ front-four didn’t play to its normal level. Instead, the Saints’ pass rushers dominated the trenches. Junior Galette led the way with three sacks. Cameron Jordan also added a pair. They got after Panthers QB Cam Newton all evening.

Cam Newton's a big, strong guy. But getting hit this much can't feel good for anyone. He's taken a beating here.